Barcelona

The departure of legendary captain Sergio Busquets spells the end of an era for the Spanish champions

- Colin Millar

Sergio Busquets has drawn the curtains on his trophy-laden Barcelona career. The timing is oddly fitting for a player who remains pivotal not just in the starting line-up but the club’s playing philosophy. Had he stayed for one more season, he may have eclipsed Lionel Messi’s all-time appearance record for the club yet, just as with his role on the pitch, Busquets never was one for grabbing headlines.

Playing over 700 Barcelona games is even more impressive considering he did not join the club’s academy until he was 15, and was still playing in Spain’s fourth tier for the B team four years later. What unlocked everything was his coach for Barca’s second team: Pep Guardiola. The era-defining football strategist’s elevation to the Camp Nou hot seat saw a tall, wiry midfielder with slumped shoulders promoted to the starting line-up.

Busquets lacked pace, physical strength and a goal threat (scoring fewer than 20 club goals across 15 seasons), and he would never dive into tackles. He did not need any of that; instead he was defined by his positioning, precise passing, calmness, composure and consistency.

His Barcelona exit is on his terms, with boss Xavi – who played with him in the heart of the club’s memorable midfield trio, alongside Andres Iniesta – unsuccessfully attempting to keep him.